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25 Most Impressive University Conference Centers

University conference centers are frequently used by local businesses and organizations to hold meetings, trainings or conferences. Many are also popular choices for weddings and parties, while the most impressive also host world leaders and dignitaries. University conference centers often house state-of-the-art meeting facilities.

The 25 university conference centers on this list are among the world’s most impressive facilities. In addition to meeting rooms, many of these conference centers also have grand ballrooms, luxurious hotels, upscale catering services and generous amenities in addition to beautiful architecture and eco-friendly operations. We present our list of the 25 most impressive university conference centers in alphabetical order, featuring stunning photographs and unique features of each facility.

1. AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center

The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX

The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center at the University of Texas at Austin has recently been accredited as an IACC conference center. Located right in the heart of Austin, this conference center is within walking distance to several of the area’s most popular attractions, such as the Blanton Museum of Art and the Texas Memorial Stadium. AT&T has outfitted the conference center with the latest in communications and learning technology, in addition to wireless access in every part of the conference center. There is 40,000 square feet of meeting space, 276 guest hotel rooms and 21 guest suites. It also meets LEED gold certification standards.

2. BYU Conference Center

Brigham Young University: Provo, UT

The BYU Conference Center is an impressive mix of modern and traditional. Situated on the beautiful BYU campus, the conference center has views of trees and plenty of green space. The facility can host meetings, conferences, seminars and grand special events. With over two dozen meeting rooms, an auditorium with a stage, media center, ballroom and covered patio, this conference center is a popular choice for special events in Utah.

3. Clemson University Conference Center & Inn

Clemson University: Clemson, SC

The Clemson University Conference Center and Inn was recently given the Readers’ Choice Award by ConventionSouth Magazine for the center’s impressive facilities. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, guests enjoy mild weather year round and as a result, the center’s on-site golf course is a popular option for guests. The conference center has a 3,170 square foot auditorium with classroom seating, an executive board room, four meeting rooms with attached training rooms, two seminar rooms with interactive audio-visual capabilities and a state-of-the-art teleconference room. For weddings, parties and other special events, the conference center also hosts the beautiful 10,000 square foot open-air lakefront Owen Pavilion and a 5,660 seat grand ballroom.

4. Gainey Conference Center

University of St. Thomas: Owatonna, MN

The Gainey Conference Center at the University of St. Thomas is nestled on 180 acres of rolling prairie land with gorgeous views of horse stables. The conference center is home to the world-famous Frank Gehry Winton Guest House which boasts amazing architecture and a small museum. The conference center is designed to host conferences, large events and retreats. The center can host 150 wedding guests in the ballroom, complete with a grand staircase, or 200 at an elegant outdoor event on the picturesque grounds. Horse-drawn carriage rides are even available for rental for special events.

5. Hagerty Conference Center

Northwestern Michigan College: Traverse City, MI

Offering breathtaking lakefront views, the Hagerty Conference Center on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College has been named one of Michigan’s best conference centers by Michigan Meetings and Events Magazine. The conference center is walking distance to downtown Traverse City, Michigan. The center features meeting rooms ranging from 600 to 6,000 square feet, a grand ballroom, an outdoor patio and even a courtyard for ceremonies. Outdoor events include speakers, wireless microphones, podiums and chairs as needed, while indoor rooms include tables, linens, china and audio-visual equipment as needed.

6. Harry Sudakoff Lecture and Conference Center

New College of Florida: Sarasota, FL

The Harry Sudakoff Lecture and Conference Center at New College of Florida sits on gorgeous bayfront property in northern Sarasota County, Florida. The campus also houses College Hall and the Mildred Sainer Pavillion, which along with the Harry Sudakoff Lecture and Conference Center, allows the campus to host meetings, weddings, exhibitions, lectures, musical performances and even cabaret-style concerts. College Hall is a historic mansion that was once the home of circus creator Charles Ringling. With fireplaces, a curving wrought-iron staircase and an enclosed patio overlooking the bay, this facility is perfect for weddings, receptions, fundraisers and cocktail parties. The Harry Sudakoff Center has a 400 seat auditorium that can also be used as an exhibition hall.

7. Henley Business School: Facilities at Greenlands

University of Reading: Reading, UK

The Henley Business School is one of Europe’s largest and most popular business schools. The school allows use of the conference center at the Greenlands campus for lectures, meetings, presentations, workshops, trainings and exhibitions. All rooms have state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment available. However, even more impressive than the meeting facilities is the unique modern architecture and design of the building. The spectacular arches, curves and stained glass make this one of the most uniquely designed campus conference centers in the world.

8. International Convention Centre

Mumbai University: Mumbai, Maharashtraw

Mumbai’s International Convention Centre, slated for completion in 2015, will be an impressive 50,000 square foot hall that can seat 4,200 guests. The ASK Foundation donated Rs. 200 crores (over 40 million USD) to the University of Mumbai to build what will be the biggest convention center in India. The center, designed by architectural firm James Law Cybertecture, will be used for large international conferences, concerts and sporting events. It also will be able to host ballroom style banquets. Smaller meeting rooms will be found on the upper level for more intimate gatherings. With a beautiful circular roof that will allow natural lighting to stream in, there will be no bad seat in the auditorium. The building will also feature solar panels and water recycling facilities.

9. Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University: Tuskegee, AL

The Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Tuskegee University combines stately Georgian architecture with the historical southern grandeur you’d expect from one of the largest and most well-known conference centers in the southern United States. What you may not expect, however, is the full range of modern amenities and extras that make a meeting or event at the Kellogg Hotel even more memorable. The conference center features 17,000 square feet of event space and state-of-the-art audiovisual and multimedia equipment. There is a large fitness center, complete with indoor pool. On-site restaurants, room service and full service catering are also available, serving a full range of southern food with special themed days that include Soul Food Wednesday and Sunday Brunch.

10. Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center

Kent State University: Kent, OH

Kent State University’s Hotel and Conference Center is one of Ohio’s most impressive conference centers. The hotel includes a heated indoor pool, impressive fitness center and spa in addition to boutique-style rooms and suites. The conference center boasts 5,000 square feet of meeting pace with wireless printing available from a laptop, tablet or smartphone. The facilities are brand new, opening in 2013, and offer space for weddings, graduations, parties, business parties, fundraisers and bar mitzvahs.

11. Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF

University of California, San Francisco: San Francisco, CA

The Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF is not only architecturally impressive, but it is an eco-friendly and green establishment, down to the center’s new tables that are so aesthetically pleasing that they do not need table linens. The on-site pub and catering facilities offer health conscious and nutritious food, with most of it also being organic. The ballroom is gorgeous with large windows that let natural light stream in, highlighting the plants and eco-friendly amenities. The conference center also has a large auditorium, several meeting rooms and an executive boardroom.

12. Moller Centre

University of Cambridge Churchill College: Cambridge, UK

The Moller Centre is housed on the beautiful campus of Churchill College. There are 23 meeting rooms, 71 guest rooms, a bar, a restaurant and a rooftop terrace. For guests staying after the meeting, there is also an on-site gym, tennis courts and room service. The Tower Lounge Bar offers complimentary tea and coffee along with a full line of bar meals. This adults-only facility provides the peace and serenity needed for successful business meetings and conferences.

13. Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center

Rutgers University: New Brunswick, NJ

The Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center is not only a major conference center, but it is also a retreat center for business and leisure travelers. The center is nestled on 21 wooded acres, offering an atmosphere of serenity and peace. The center’s historic Lindenwood Carpender House is a Tudor revival style mansion with a modern addition, turning this former estate into a large conference center with a sun porch, offices, a large hall and conference rooms complete with fireplaces. The modern guest rooms are 100% smoke free and are designed to provide a retreat-like atmosphere for all travelers.

15. The Centro Residenziale Universitario di Bertinoro

University of Bologna: Bertinoro, Italy

The Centro Residenziale Universitario di Bertinoro is the vocational training center for the University of Bologna. Situated in ancient Bertinoro and perched over the beautiful city, the impressive views are just one draw to this incredible facility. Each year, close to 30,000 guests attend a meeting or spend the night at the The Centro Residenziale Universitario di Bertinoro. The facility has several unique buildings, including St. Sylvester Church, a theater, the Rivellino and the Bishop’s Fortress. Inside these buildings are 14 training rooms, 2 computer labs, 86 guest rooms and a canteen that seats 200.

16. The Conference Center at Shippensburg University

Shippensburg University: Shippensburg, PA

The Conference Center at Shippensburg University has 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space within 13 unique rooms. There is also a gorgeous courtyard perfect for outdoor events. The center’s amenities include audio-visual equipment, the ability to use video conferencing equipment, onsite catering and free internet. There are several meeting rooms, including an executive board room. The reception area can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it perfect for weddings or business celebrations.

17. The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU

Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, LA

The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU is the city’s only independently owned and operated boutique hotel. Situated on beautiful lake-front property, this beautiful, serene and picturesque conference center is perfect for business meetings and large formal gatherings alike. The center features 128 deluxe guest rooms and luxury suites. More impressive than the upscale guest rooms, however, is the 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a grand ballroom filled with natural lighting from the beautiful large windows.

18. The Hotel and Dixon Conference Center at Auburn University

Auburn University: Auburn, AL

The Hotel and Dixon Conference Center at Auburn University has all of the stately ambiance, historic charm and southern hospitality you would expect to find in an Alabama college town. The two grand ballrooms can seat up to 600 guests each and is perfect for the most upscale gatherings. With beautiful decor, majestic crown molding, elegant wall coverings and specialty linens, this space is perfect for weddings and balls. The conference center features 22,000 square feet of meeting space in 15 flexible rooms. The state-of-the-art auditorium can seat up to 356 guests and an executive board room is also available.

19. The Marcum Hotel & Conference Center at Miami University

Miami University: Oxford, OH

The Marcum Hotel & Conference Center at Miami University has 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space that can accommodate groups up to 275. Each room features ergonomic meeting room chairs, individual lighting and temperature controls, conference call capabilities, internet access and a professional conference planning staff. There are 55 elegant guest rooms, with some overlooking formal gardens. Hotel guests enjoy a free deluxe continental breakfast. The beautiful ballroom can accommodate up to 175 for weddings and other large gatherings. With two on-campus Romanesque chapels, Miami University is a popular option for weddings and other special religious celebrations.

20. TRU Conference Centre

Thompson Rivers University: Kamloops BC

The TRU Conference Center at Thompson Rivers University has an impressive 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. The Grand Hall can accommodate up to 600 people and is perfect for weddings, meetings, conferences and trade shows. The Terrace can accommodate up to 300 people and is used for weddings, meetings and dances. The Barber Centre is the largest in-the-round lecture theater in the province and can accommodate up to 300 guests. The Mountain Room has picturesque campus views and is perfect for smaller weddings. There are also several smaller meeting rooms, a panorama room, an executive boardroom and an on-site pub. The Horticulture Garden is a beautifully manicured outdoor area that can be used for weddings, reunions and business gatherings.

21. Villanova University Conference Center and Hotel

Villanova University: Radnor, PA

The Villanova University Conference Center and Hotel is housed on a beautiful wooded estate and combines 20th century architecture with 21st century technology. There are 58 luxurious guest rooms, an impressive fitness center, ropes and challenge courses, volleyball courts, bocce facilities and basketball courts. There is also a game room with a pool table, poker table and shuffle board. There is over 14,000 square feet of meeting space and an executive business center open 24 hours a day. The elegant mansion living room and private dining room are perfect for cocktail receptions and upscale parties.

22. UBC Conferences & Accommodation

University of British Columbia: Vancouver, Canada

The UBC Conferences and Accommodation Center is one of Vancouver’s most impressive conference centers. Situated on scenic wooded and bay front property, guests can enjoy views of mountains, water and nature at this serene and peaceful conference center. There are several auditoriums, meeting rooms and theater venues, including a very impressive large theater with balcony seating that can accommodate up to 500 guests. The conference center accommodates between 50 and 2,000 guests, with space to host even the largest international meetings.

23. UCLA Lake Arrowhead Conference Center

University of California, Los Angeles: Lake Arrowhead, CA

The UCLA Lake Arrowhead Conference Center features a retreat-like atmosphere situated on 42 wooded mountain acres. Groups from 10 to 200 guests can enjoy the facilities from September through mid-June. There are resort-like guest rooms with personal amenities, continuous refreshment breaks, buffet breakfasts and lunches, and a four-course dinner included in the cost of facility rental. Many of the 14 impressive guest rooms have mountain and lake views, as well as outdoor decks and fireplaces. The largest of the meeting rooms is 1,512 square feet and can accommodate 200.

24. University of Central Oklahoma Conference and Event Services at the Nigh University Center

University of Central Oklahoma: Edmond, OK

The Nigh University Center is located just minutes from Oklahoma City and boasts over 37,000 square feet of meeting space. There are 25 meeting rooms that can accommodate both small and large groups. However, more impressive is that the conference center acts as a miniature town, complete with a post office, a food court, a restaurant, a full-service print shop, an on-site Starbucks and a Barnes and Noble bookstore right on campus. This full-service conference center makes guests feel like they are on vacation or retreat, even during business meetings and conferences. Guests can enjoy views of the picturesque campus, including a beautiful pond and fountain right outside the conference center. The grand ballroom is perfect for fairy tale weddings and upscale galas for up to 500 guests. Smaller weddings and other special special events can also be held in the conference center’s beautiful outdoor courtyard.

25. University of Wisconsin-Extension Conference Centers

University of Wisconsin: Madison, WI

University of Wisconsin-Extension Conference Centers feature two facilities: The Pyle Center and The Lowell Center, both in Madison. Both facilities have conference rooms, small breakout rooms, lounges and dining facilities. The Pyle Center has 135,000 square feet of meeting space, including 30 rooms, a 95-seat auditorium, a reception area for 300 guests and an impressive rooftop terrace that can host up to 400 guests. The Inspiration Room is a multipurpose room that can host up to 15 guests and can be used free of charge for conference center guests. The Lowell Center is a seven story conference center with 137 guest rooms, seven meeting rooms, two reception areas and a gorgeous modern dining room with large windows that allow for abundant natural lighting.

Whether one is hosting a small, intimate business meeting or a 600 guest fairy tale wedding, university conference centers can often be used to host the event. While many universities have conference centers, a few are truly spectacular, with stunning architecture, breathtaking views or luxurious amenities. These impressive university conference centers are sure to make any event memorable.